UFC Rookie Tim Kennedy Already Unhappy with Pay

How can one tick off their boss before technically starting to work for the company? Former Strikeforce star Tim Kennedy (pictured) may have just managed to do so by griping about his UFC salary prior to setting foot inside the Octagon.

Kennedy makes his big league debut July 6 against Roger Gracie. The 185-pounders are receiving third-to-top billing on UFC 162‘s main card, which is expected to be one of the organization’s most lucrative in 2013, yet Kennedy states he’s only pocketing $55,000 to show. The 33-year-old could potentially score an additional $20K via win bonus.

Win bonus aside, the former military hero claims he would merely pocket approximately $20,000 (before taxes) after paying for various training expenses.

FYI – Kennedy made a total of $80,000 for beating Trevor Smith in his final Strikeforce fight.

“It’s pathetic that so many fighters [have to have another job]” Kennedy said on GrappleTalk podcast (via The UG). “I’m one of the 3 percent of guys in the whole entire sport and it would be slim pickings to survive off what I make in fighting.

“It’s a good thing I have another job because the UFC doesn’t pay very well.”

Kennedy did not mention what his other occupation is or how much he earns from it.

The 12-year MMA veteran then suggested meager paydays should not be considered the norm and that his fellow fighters could make a better living as garbage men.

“Anybody who accepts that as a reality of the sport is sad and pathetic,” Kennedy added. “I hope this isn’t the reality of the sport, if it is I should probably go do something else, like empty trash cans. I’d make more money than I do now.”

If Kennedy has a serious issue with his UFC paycheck, he might not have to worry about it much longer if he posts an uneventful loss to Gracie next Saturday. Nonetheless, props to him for speaking up as a current UFC fighter.